2017 English Channel swim

Friday, August 30, 2013

Results on my North Channel swim

Yesterday, I started my swim from Donaghadee, Ireland at 5:07 a.m (time zone in Ireland). My escort boat pilot was the great Quinton Nelson and his crew. Also on board was Sheena Paterson, Vice President of the Irish Long Distance Association, and my experienced crew, my brother David and his wife Jeannie. Also, I hired an expert kayaker Conleth McCambridge. The air temp was 60 degrees F. and water temp was 59 degrees F. I found the water temp and air temp to be better than I expected. Within 5 minutes I was stung by a Lion's Mane jellyfish. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't find their sting very painful. On a scale of 1 to 10. With # 1 scale being mild pain and # 10 being excruciating pain. I gave my sting # 1. The largest jellyfish I saw had a dome the size of a dinner plate and their tentacles were about five feet in length. I saw thousands of jellyfish one foot to three feet below the surface. My crew reported only a few floating at the surface of the water. The jellyfish were actually beautiful. I saw thousands with a few very small one. I thought they were their offspring. They were awfully cute but their sting was equal to the larger ones. I was stung over every inch of my body. During my swim, I tried a lower carbohydrate diet and it worked very well. A few hours into my swim, I was startled by a large grey object below me. Then it suddenly came toward me in great speed. It was a curious and friendly seal. We were face to face about two feet apart. I smiled at the seal and then it left.
I then started with episodes of vomiting and dry heaves from the smell of diesel fumes. During these episodes, I swam the backstroke. The currents were very strong and I was pushed back a few miles off course . After swimming for 16 hours, I noticed that I was starting to develop hypothermia which was evident with my small finger cramping and my fingers were separating. I alerted my crew who are well trained in this potential crisis. After 16 hours and 43 minutes I was less than one mile from the finish line. I had no doubt that I was going to finish and claim a world record for the oldest person to successfully swim it. But then, tidal flow changed and I was being pushed backwards due to very strong currents. As a slow swimmer, it was a disadvantage. My boat pilot, channel official, and crew said that I needed to stop my swim due to outgoing current pulling me away from Scotland. At first I argued with them that I would continue swimming until the tide changed a few hours later.
However, they saw that my hypothermia was worsening. But I quickly realized that they were observing me and I needed to respect their decision. It was a correct decision to stop my swim. I quickly went into the stage of moderate hypothermia. My crew was well trained in dealing with hypothermia. They quickly dried me off and placed two sets of LL Bean thermal underwear. Then applied several hot packs in my groin, armpit, and neck. Then they applied my L.L. Bean fleece jacket and gortex jacket. I was shivering beyond words. And, to think I never felt cold in the water. Again, hypothermia can set in quickly. I can't thank my crew enough for recognizing it. And naturally I felt disappointed not reaching the finish line, but that comes with the territory of marathon swimming. But I learned so much about myself...I have determination beyond words, at the age of 62 I have more endurance that I never imagined possible, and my love of open water swimming continues to grow. I would like to thank my crew for their incredible job, my boat pilot Quinton for his honesty and great piloting skills and his crew did a great job, too. Many thanks to to my kayaker Conleth McCambridge, my ILDSA official for her support, a special thank you to my family , friends, and co-workers for their support. It was greatly appreciated. Now onward to my next adventure of swimming Cook Strait in New Zealand. Thank you everyone.

Aunt Patty I am so proud of you. You are the bravest woman I know and you are an inspiration to all of us! Congratulations for making it though such a difficult swim and getting so close to the finish line. Better luck in New Zealand!

What an amazing and unique adventure you had. I want to say, that as far as women from my hometown go, you and Dr. Rosalyn Randall (R.I.P.) are my hometown heroines!

Swimming with seals sounds like fun, but were you afraid sharks may be following them for a food source? I'm so sorry you got sick from diesel fumes. Throwing up and dry heaving while swimming in open water sounds harsh! Could you explain how that happened and how you dealt with it a bit more in detail in a future blogs, please? I'm amazed that the L.M. jellyfish sting only hurt at a level #1. Do you think that is because you were in the zone and very focused or because they really don't hurt much to begin with? Is there any post-swim lingering issues with their stings that you have noticed; i.e. marks on skin, swelling, or lingering pain?

Lastly, the next time I travel back home, I hope to shake your hand. It would be an honor.

PAT, you are a heroine! So brave, so challenging. I know you are disappointed, but obviously you will be back! I hope to see you again back in Maine. I am amazed by your determination and courage. Congratulations on many hours of hard, cold, jellyfished swimming! Ellen Shockro

Pat Gallant-Charette

Photo by Brian Fitzgerald

Go Grandma! You can do it, if you try!

Meet Pat Gallant-Charette, a native of Maine, Westbrook resident, University of Southern Maine graduate, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and retired nurse. In her spare time, 67 year old Pat is a marathon swimmer. In her first attempt of the English Channel at the age of 58, success was snatched from her grasp in July 2008. After swimming 16 hours in the Channel, with the lights in French homes encouraging her and still feeling strong, Pat fought impenetrable currents for four hours just 1.7 miles from the finish line. While Pat had made it across....and that was a dream come true...the ultimate challenge had eluded her. In 2009, prevaling winds prevented Pat from starting her second attempt of the English Channel. Pat returned to Maine determined to return to Dover for another attempt. She came late to the Gallant-Charette swimming club. Her son Tom was on the Westbrook High School swim team and her youngest brother, Robbie Gallant twice won the 2.4 mile Peaks to Portland swim. Robbie, just 34 years old, was a loving husband, and devoted father to three year old Christopher when he suffered a fatal heart attack twenty years ago. Soon after Robbie's untimely death, Pat's son Tom said, "Ma, I'd like to swim the Peaks to Portland as a tribute to Uncle Robbie." Pat replied, "Tom, that's so sweet, I wish I could do the same." Looking at her encouragingly, Tom said, "You can, if you try." Those words inspired Pat to swim Peaks. At the age of 46 her fitness regime had consisted mainly of walking, but with a regular workout schedule at the local pool, Pat gradually built up her endurance. She met the qualifying requirement for the Peaks to Portland swim the following year. You can only imagine her emotion on finding her young nephew Christopher waiting for her at the end of that swim....that success encouraged her to seek other goals, including a double crossing of Maine's Big Sebago Lake (12 miles), the Great Chesapeake Bay swim (4.4 miles) and the Strait of Gibraltar swim (9 miles), where stroke by stroke Pat repeated her mantra, "You can, if you try". Then on June 16, 2010 at the age of 59 years and 134 days Pat swam across the Strait of Gibraltar (Spain to Africa) in a time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. And much to her surprise, she placed 3rd fastest woman's time since 1928, set the U.S.Woman's record for fastest time, and the new record for the fastest time for any woman or man over the age of 50 worldwide. Pat nurtured the belief that she was capable of swimming the English Channel, considered by many to be the greatest test of a long distance swimmer. While nominally 20.7 miles, strong tides and currents in the Channel make the real distance covered by swimmers 30 miles or more. On August 22, 2011 Pat entered the English Channel determined to reach France. With her crew of brother David, sister-in-law Jeannie, and nephews' Kyle and Chris (Robbie's son), she reached her dream in a time of 15 hours and 57 minutes. The English Channel Swimming Association awarded her with the "Rosemary George Award for the 'Most Meritorious Swim of the Year' for 2011." Then, on October 18, 2011 Pat at the age of 60 years and 258 days set a new World Record for the Oldest Woman to swim from Catalina Island to the mainland of California ( 21 mile swim). She was accompanied by her crew: brother Bill and sister-in-law Jean. Her swim was dedicated to her brother Johnny who died at the age of seventeen in a tragic accident. Pat has written a children's book called, "Catalina...Oh, my! An Adventure Story." She is currently looking for a publisher for her completed 32 page picture book. Pat founded "Valentine's Day...Swim for your Heart." a global swim event to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention. http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com She encourages swimmers worldwide to participate in thought and action by swimming on February 14. Swimmers donate to their favorite heart charity or program. In 2011 the "Daily News of Open Water Swimming" announced the nominees for the "World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year" award. Pat at the age of 60 was nominated for this award. Then in 2012 at the age of 61, she was nominated for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year" award. Also, in 2012 and 2013 she was selected as one of 101 women worldwide as "101 Movers and Shakers" in the world of open water swimming.....known as "open water ambassadors, spreading their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. ". In 2016 at the age of 65, she was nominated for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year and nominated for Global Marathon Swimmers Federation Solo Swim of the Year for her record setting North Channel swim. Pat was inducted into the Maine Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame on April 12, 2014.

In 2012 Pat announced that she will attempt to swim the Oceans Seven Challenge. On September 13, 2012 she completed Japan's Tsugaru Strait (her fourth swim of the challenge) in a time of 19 hours and 36 minutes (33 miles) and set a world record for the oldest woman to swim Tsugaru Strait at the age of 61 years and 224 days. Her crew consisted of Yoko Aoshima and Pat Whitney. In August 2013 Pat attempted to swim the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. After swimming for 16 hours and 43 minutes and less than one mile from the finish line, the tidal flow changed directions and prevented Pat from completing her swim. On January 24, 2014 Pat attempted to swim Cook Strait in New Zealand. Mother Nature provided very strong tidal flows preventing her from reaching the finish line after several hours of swimming. In July of 2015, Pat returned home from Ireland after waiting two weeks for an opportunity to swim the North Channel. Mother Nature provided unsettled weather and a swim was not permitted. On August 24, 2016 Pat attempted a solo crossing of the North Channel with boat pilot Quinton Nelson, crew members Tom Charette and Fergal Somerville. The North Channel is regarded as one of the most challenging swims in the world with its prolific blooms of jellyfish, cold water temperatures, and unforgiving strong currents. She was successful in a time of 14 hours and 22 minutes. At the age of 65 years and 204 days, she set a world record for the oldest woman to swim the most challenging channel swim in the world. She became the 41st person in history to complete this grueling channel. On May 20, 2017 at the age of 66 years and 107 days old, she had successful solo crossing of the Molakai Channel between the islands of Oahu and Molokai in a time of 23 hours and 54 minutes....setting a world record for oldest woman to swim Molokai Channel. She became the 52nd person in history to complete the longest challenge of the Oceans Seven. Her crew consisted of David & Jeannie Gallant and Bill & Jean Gallant. Twenty-eight days after her successful swim of Molokai channel, Pat attempted to swim the English Channel. On June 17, 2017 at the age of 66 years and 135 days she had a successful crossing of the English Channel and setting a world record for oldest woman to swim the channel. Her swim will be published in the September 2018 publication of the Guinness Book of World Records. Her son Tom who encouraged her many years ago to try open water swimming was her crew. On November 4, 2017 the English Channel Swimming Association awarded her the O'Clee Trophy for Oldest Successful Swimmer and the Mercedes Glietze Trophy for Female Pioneer Swim. Her son Tom who encouraged her many years ago attended the presentation ceremony. Mercedes' daughter presented Pat with the prestigious award.

On August 30, 2017 Pat completed a solo crossing of Lake Ontario, Canada. Also, known as the Marilyn Bell route, 32 miles. In a time of 24 hours and 28 minutes. She set a new world record for the oldest woman at the age of 66 years and 209 days old. Pat is now a member of the 24 hour club. Her lone crew member sister-in-law Jean Gallant did an amazing job closely monitoring Pat. Many thanks to boat pilot Christine Arsenault (and her crew). A special thank you to Solo Swims of Ontario's president Marilyn Korzekwa for providing a very safe and well planned swim.

Her final swim challenge to complete the Oceans Seven is Cook Strait in New Zealand scheduled for 2019 (waiting list nearly three years. Yikes!!!). In the meantime, pat will continue other marathon swims on her extensive bucket list of open water swims.

On November 1, 2017 the World Open Water Swimming Association announced their nominees for WOWSA, Woman of the Year. Pat was nominated with eleven amazing women. This is Pat's fourth nomination for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year since the age of 60.

In 2018 Pat was chosen by Swimsuits for All for a photoshoot in California. She will be wearing their beautiful swimsuits in her next four marathon swims. Fabulous product!